General Information
The Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) Program connects law students with volunteer attorneys across Utah to provide guidance, encouragement, and insight of employment. Through one-on-one mentorship, participants have the opportunity to ask questions, receive career advice, and develop meaningful professional relationships with members of Utah’s legal community. The program is designed to help students build confidence, expand their professional network, and gain a better understanding of the legal profession.The program has its roots in a mentoring initiative founded by Holland & Hart and the Utah Minority Bar Association (UMBA). Building on that foundation and through the continued partnership and efforts of these organizations, UCLI’s program supports the professional and academic development of Utah law students by providing resources, opportunities, and networks of support.
The Utah Law Student Mentoring Program uses a two-phase mentoring model designed to help students build meaningful, lasting connections within Utah’s legal community. Each law student is paired with one to two attorney mentors, and mentoring groups meet approximately once a month in a format and on a schedule that works best for the pairing. After six months mentor groups rotate, giving law students the opportunity to learn from additional attorneys, explore different areas of practice, and expand their professional networks. UCLI facilitates a fall and spring social, inviting mentors and mentees to attend together and providing opportunities for law students and attorneys in the program to socialize.
Through the program, students can cultivate skills and connections beyond the classroom, build confidence, expand their professional networks, and feel better prepared to pursue and enter the legal profession.
Purpose
The purpose of the Utah Law Student Mentorship Program is to increase access to mentorship for law students, particularly those who may not have attorneys in their personal or professional networks, including first generation undergraduate or law students. By forming meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, UCLI aims to help students navigate difficulties of law school while strengthening Utah’s future legal community.
Program Expectations
Mentee Expectations
Participants are expected to take an active role in their mentorship experience by initiating communication, scheduling meetings, responding to their attorney mentor, and remaining engaged throughout the program. Our attorney mentors generously volunteer their time and expertise to support law students, and we ask that participants respect and value that commitment. Participants must be an incoming or current law student, demonstrate a willingness to actively engage with their mentor, and commit to maintaining professional and consistent communication throughout the program. Participants who repeatedly fail to communicate with, respond to, or meet with their assigned mentor may not be eligible to receive a new mentor match during the second phase of the program. Participants should be prepared to actively participate, communicate regularly, and make the most of this mentorship opportunity.
Mentor Expectations
Volunteer attorneys are asked to meet regularly with their assigned mentee throughout the program and provide guidance on law school, legal careers, and professional development. Mentors are encouraged to support and encourage their mentees while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and should communicate with UCLI if any concerns arise regarding participation or communication.
Why Participate?
The Utah Law Student Mentoring Program provides participants with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with practicing attorneys, explore different legal careers and practice areas, expand their professional network within Utah’s legal community, and gain confidence as they prepare to pursue a career in law.
How to Get Involved
Law students interested in being matched with an attorney mentor are encouraged to complete the mentorship application when registration opens. Attorneys interested in volunteering as mentors are invited to join UCLI’s mentor network and will be matched with students based on availability and interests whenever possible.
